According to the survey, 24 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the economy, down from 26 percent the week before. Also, 52 percent of those polled said their own finances were in good standing, down from 55 percent in the prior week. In assessing the buying climate, 34 percent of respondents said it was good, down from 37 percent a week earlier.

The consumer comfort index was based on a random survey of 1008 respondents nationwide ended Jan. 19. The index measures typical Americans' confidence in three areas: the national economy, their own finances, and their willingness to spend money, according to the report.

The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.